Government shutdown stalls seasonal beer production

As the government shutdown stretches on, it increasingly affects American life in less obvious ways—like beer production.

Southbound Brewing Co., a craft beer company based in Savannah, has been working for months to develop a new seasonal brew for autumn. Now, they are not sure what the season will be when they finally get approval to release the new flavor.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is closed for the government shutdown.

"We can't, one, put our formula in to get approval, or two, even get a label so we can register it with the state so we can sell it to our distributor," says Smith Mathews, Brewmaster at Southbound Brewing Co. "So we're completely prevented from brewing this next beer, because of the government shutdown."

Mathews says it usually takes two weeks to get new beer formulas approved, and another two weeks to have the label approved. He says there will likely be backlog due to the shutdown, so even when the government offices reopen, there is not telling how long it will take to release their new seasonal autumn beer.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle and former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva (78) stands outside the tunnel alone during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be on the field during the national anthem for next weekend's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Last year, rapper B.o.B. used Twitter to jump on the 'flat Earth' bandwagon, and it looks like he's been riding it ever since. The "Nothin' on You" star has started a GoFundMe campaign to find Earth's curve and see if our planet is actually round.

Last year, rapper B.o.B. used Twitter to jump on the 'flat Earth' bandwagon, and it looks like he's been riding it ever since. The "Nothin' on You" star has started a GoFundMe campaign to find Earth's curve and see if our planet is actually round.

President Donald Trump is slamming the NFL on Twitter, again. Trump says "ratings for NFL football are way down except before game starts when people tune in to see whether or not our country will be disrespected.".More >

President Donald Trump is slamming the NFL on Twitter, again. Trump says "ratings for NFL football are way down except before game starts when people tune in to see whether or not our country will be disrespected.".More >